Ever wonder why today’s language is so boring? It’s probably because we no longer use these amazing archaic dictionary words.

Word: AcrasialPart of speech: AdjectivePronunciation: u-cray-si-uDefinition: Quick-tempered and somewhat unpredictable.Usage: You’re so acrasial; you cannot think clearly.Why You Should Use It: Because this is easier to say than quick-tempered, and will confuse the person you insult.

Word: WoundikinsPronunciation: woond-i-kinsDefinition: An expression of pain from the early 1800s. Was also used as a mild oath, similar to “great Scott.”Usage: Woundikins! I locked my keys in the car.Why You Should Use It: Just try saying it out loud without laughing. You can’t.

Word: ScaevityPronunciation: Ska-vi-teePart of Speech: NounDefinition: Extremely unlucky, sometimes references someone who is left-handed.Usage: Scavity kept him from reaching his goals.Why You Should Use It: We need more words for unlucky.

Word:BailiwickPart of Speech: NounPronunciation: Bail-e-wikDefinition: Someone’s area of knowledge or expertise; a particular area of judicial jurisdiction.Usage: Geology is his bailiwick.Why You Should Use It: Because wouldn’t you rather have an area of bailiwick than an area of expertise?

Word:GallimaufryPronunciation: Gal-ee-ma-freeDefinition: A pile of odds and ends, or a hodgepodge. This word actually dirives from two differenet French words meaning stew and merry. I suppose this makes gallimaufry a merry stew.Part of Speech: NounUsage: Your room is one big gallimaufry! You better clean it!Why You Should Use It: Because your desk isn’t a cluttered mess, it is a gallimaufry.

Word:ZephyrPronunciation: Ze-ferPart of Speech: NounDefinition: Gentle or slight breeze.Usage: The zephyr blew gently through the trees.Why You Should Use It: Because your date will be impressed if you ask if the zephyr is making her/him too cold.

Word:YenPronunciation: Like it looksPart of speech: Verb or NounDefinition: A strong longing or desire.Usage: She has a yen for chocolate.

Why You Should Use It: Yen is a much cooler word than “craving.”

Word:Vacuous

Pronunciation: Vah-cusDefinition: Lacking in intelligence, stupid. Can also mean blank.Part of Speech: AdjectiveUsage: The vacuous doe stared right at the hunter.

Why You Should Use It: You can call someone vacuous and they won’t realize they have been insulted.

Word:PlauditPart of speech: NounDefinition: Great praise, enthusiastic approval (sometimes used in plural form; plaudits).Pronunciation: plod-itUsage: The play was well received; the audience gave it due plaudit.

Why You Should Use It: It’s really fun to say.

Word:IrascibleDefinition: easily angered, irritablePart of speech: AdjectivePronunciation: Ir-as-ableUsage: That person is irascible; he never says a kind word.

Why You Should Use It: It sounds like something that could catch fire easily- which is a perfect-sounding word for the meaning.

I'm Brenda. I'm a writer and a reader. Daily Mayo is all about having fun while reading, without rules! If you love books as much as I do, join the DM Book Lover's Club to keep up with the latest in the book world and get the DM Book Club Reading List.Come get to know me and let's talk books!